Packing list – hiking in the mountains

Filling your backpack with the right items is an art in itself. A common mistake is carrying too much weight. Start with our basic packing list—mountain hiking is most enjoyable when you pack both correctly and lightly. Also, check out the additional lists for those who are staying overnight in a tent or lodging in a mountain cabin.

Multi-day hike or day trip

For day hikes in the mountains, you only need to bring the essentials. The biggest difference with multi-day hikes is that you need more changes of clothes and equipment suited to where you will be staying overnight. You can supplement your packing for tent or cabin accommodations according to the lists below. Otherwise, it is always wise to pack clothes made of wool or functional materials. Feel free to read more about the layer-on-layer principle if you are wondering which clothes are the most important.

When hiking between STF’s mountain cabins, you will often find shops where you can buy food and drinks. This means you don’t have to carry groceries in your backpack.

In need of outdoor equipment?

Rent instead of buying! As a member of STF you get a discount when you rent outdoor products and sportswear from Outdoor Buddies. Excellent for both your wallet and the environment.

Packing list for mountain hikes with children

Young hikers need roughly the same equipment as adults, but there are a few tricks to keep the spirit of exploration alive. Lightweight small toys make the hike more fun, while dried fruit or nuts quickly provide new energy. Dressing children in several thinner layers allows you to easily adjust clothing according to the weather. Children need the possibility to change clothes more often, but remember that you can handwash items. Airy long pants are better than shorts, as they protect against scrapes, scratches, and mosquitoes. Pain-relief ointment is good for small bites. And don’t forget band-aids—the miracle cure that can fix almost anything!

What should I pack?

  1. Underwear: Wool/synthetic underwear to wear closest to the body.
  2. Shell jacket: Waterproof shell jacket.
  3. Hiking shoes: Well-broken-in hiking shoes.
  4. Extra socks: Use double layers to avoid blisters: thin wool socks closest to the foot and another pair of socks over them.
  5. Warm clothes: Down jacket/warm sweater, hat, gloves.
  6. Clean and comfortable clothes: For changing into, including extra base layers.
  7. Multipurpose soap: Suitable for washing, cleaning, and dishes.
  8. Food and drink: Thermos, cup, and spork. Some routes have access to mountain shops.
  9. Trash bag: For waste.
  10. Sitting or sleeping mat: For breaks.
  11. Travel pharmacy: First aid kit, including blister plasters.
  12. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and cap: Protection against the sun.
  13. Insect repellent: To keep mosquitoes away.
  14. Mountain map and compass: Essential for navigation.
  15. Mobile phone and power bank: (Note that there may not always be mobile coverage in the mountains).
  16. Pocket knife, matches/firestarter: For various tasks and emergencies.
  17. Toilet paper and small garden shovel: For digging a hole.
  18. Flashlight, headlamp: Useful for low-light conditions.
  19. Optional: Camera and binoculars for capturing and observing the scenery.

Packing list for staying in mountain cabins

If you plan to hike between mountain cabins, it’s wise to check which ones have shops. Buying your food on-site will, of course, reduce the weight of your packing. A backpack suitable for trips between STF’s mountain cabins should have a capacity of 50-65 liters. You can supplement your packing with the following items:

  1. Travel sheet or light sleeping bag.
  2. Towel.
  3. Flashlight and headlamp.
  4. Change of clean and comfortable clothes.
  5. Indoor slippers.
  6. Cash/credit card and your STF membership card.

Remember to minimize the amount of trash and food waste, and help carry the garbage back with you. Together we manage waste in the mountain cabins – and it starts with planning at home. Here you can find a “waste-smart” packing list.


Packing list for camping

For those planning to stay in a tent, it’s good to have a backpack that holds 60–80 liters. Read up on what you need to consider when camping. You can supplement your packing with the following items:

  1. Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.
  2. Food supplies.
  3. Camping stove, fuel, matches/firestarter, and dishwashing tools.
  4. Flashlight and headlamp.
  5. Larger first aid kit.
  6. Needle, thread, and duct tape so you can repair your backpack, tent, or clothes.

More packing lists